Even though most of the country has experienced a fairly mild winter, it’s a perfect time to spend a quiet afternoon with your airplane in anticipation of even more flying during the spring and summer months. Here are a few small inspection/maintenance items every owner can perform to help ensure continued safe flying:

1. Remove panels and cowlings to check for any unwanted houseguests. Don’t forget to check inside seats and any insulated areas. Nesting materials, dead animals, and droppings need to be removed and areas thoroughly cleaned.

2. Make sure the battery is in good condition, fully charged, the terminals are clean, and check the electrolyte level if you don’t have a sealed battery. If you have an emergency locator transmitter, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for inspecting its batteries.

3. Check the engine air filter, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for servicing and cleaning.

4. Inspect lubrication points as outlined by the aircraft manufacturer.

5. Hoses, belts, and tires should be checked for damage, wear, and cracking.

6. Washing and waxing your plane will provide a great opportunity to inspect all exterior surfaces for corrosion or damage.

In celebration of a new year of flying, Met-Co-Aire is offering a Spring Wing Sale on all of its high-performance wing tips and all fiberglass replacements parts. Save 10 percent on any product, plus receive free ground shipping anywhere in the continental United States. Please visit www.metcoaire.com for details and to place an order.

Met-Co-Aire manufactures high-performance Hoerner design wing tips and replacement parts for Cessna, Piper, and Beech aircraft. It produces the premier direct replacement fiberglass exterior parts available. They are up to five times stronger than the plastic factory originals and have a lifetime guarantee not to crack. Visit the website for more information on the company’s new product!